Page 21 (2/2)

Reluctantly Justine sat down After the afternoon she’d had, a few ood It wasn’t often that she encountered aBen, but she couldn’t tolerate the sight of David ht"

"Thank you" Warren stood and pulled out the chair opposite hiht be shady, but his manners could never be questioned

When the waitress calasses of wine

"I can’t," she protested, but he refused to listen

"You look like you need to unwind"

This was so else about Warren He sees with astounding accuracy Granted, at other times he could be incredibly insensitive She decided just to enjoy the moment

The chardonnay arrived, and despite herself, Justine relaxed and took a sip This was one of those days when a glass of wine in the middle of the afternoon was exactly what she needed

"How are you?" Warren asked, leaning back in his chair

"Good"

He sighed and looked away "I’ve missed you, Justine"

She didn’t respond That period of her life was over

"Are you happy?" he asked

"Very much so"

He nodded and looked around "You and Seth have done a wonderful job with this restaurant"

"Thank you" No one really kne much effort went into their business Seth often worked fifteen-hour days and she served as a hostess and hthouse demanded attention to detail--every kind of detail Early thatup litter and cigarette butts, and later he’d had to clean out the grease trap in the kitchen Both unpleasant tasks People tended to see the gla a successful business Most nights when Justine got Leif from his daycare, she was exhausted She worried that her son was being raised by strangers She wanted a second child Seth did, too, but the tiht never be right Much as she loved the restaurant, it had taken over their lives

"You’re frowning," Warren said, breaking into her thoughts

"I aht of it

He leaned toward her and reached for her hand "There’s no use pretending I want you back"

He seemed sincere and that touched her "Warren, I’ently

"You’re not happy"

"I a so hard" She was, too, but she didn’t e, and I love my husband and son"

Warren looked down at the openover the daily specials "You can’t iine how difficult it is to live in the saspecial and I haven’t found it with anyone else"

She hadn’t kept tabs on his relationships, but it seeh a nu ones didn’t last long, she noticed

"It’s too late"

"Is it?" he pressed "I refuse to believe that, Justine"

"Warren…"

He looked up and over her shoulder His eyes narrowed as Seth approached the table

"Seth," Justine said, flustered that he’d found her with an old boyfriend "Warren invited lanced at the two glasses of wine He offered Warren a casual saze locking with Justine’s She sed uncomfortably

Seth placed a possessive hand on Justine’s shoulder "Has Susan taken your order yet?"

"No"

"I recommend the oyster stew It’s the special of the day"

"Warren doesn’t like oysters," Justine said and i by Seth’s expression, he didn’t want to be reminded of her once-close relationship with Warren

"Can you co with Warren?" When she nodded, Seth went to his small office behind the hostess desk

Justine stood "I need to get back to work"

"Seth doesn’t deserve you," Warren muttered "I’d treat you like a queen if you came back to me"

She didn’t even bother to reply Justine was happy, if tired and overworked Seth, too They were both coood on their investment and pay back the e, Justine I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready You won’t be sorry," he promised her